His mother gave him piano lessons, but folk songs he heard as a child inspired him to improvise before the lessons even started. ... Petersburg, Musorgsky also studied piano with Anton Herke, developing his performing and improvising skills. ... In 1857, Modeste Musorgsky met Balakirev, and persuaded him to give him lessons and composed songs, as well as piano sonalas. ... He also wrote Pictures at an Exhibition, a series inspired by a memorial exhibition of drawings for piano. ...

• Word Count: 742
• Approx Pages: 3

Holst was sent to Cheltenham Grammar School in 1887-1891 and was forced to take long music lessons; he did enjoy the piano, despite having neuritis in his hands. ... Gustav could play the piano, but as his neuritis in his hands worsen, he took up trombone, this allowed him to play in orchestras and earn an income. ...

• Word Count: 772
• Approx Pages: 3
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

At the age of 13, Shostakovich proved his musical talents by attending the Petrograd Conservatory where he studied piano and composition. ... As seen in many traditional heroes, Shostakovich's main lesson teaches that you should not value conformity over self expression. ...

• Word Count: 561
• Approx Pages: 2

William Mason felt that his father was as an accompanist, and when he went to musical conventions he took me along with him, and he would play the piano accompaniments while he conducted. ... About this time, too, he began taking pianoforte lessons of Mr. ... He settled down as a teacher and also continuing his career as a piano-virtuoso. ...

• Word Count: 1103
• Approx Pages: 4
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School